At the entrance to the Gran Hotel Bolivar, in Plaza San Martín, look for our Partner wearing a cream vest with the Lima Cultra tour logo. After the meetup, get ready to kick off your Sunday free tour with the group.

Peru celebrated the centenary of its independence with the inauguration of a square in honour of Don José de San Martín. The great general, born in Yapeyú, Argentina, would go on to declare that “Peru is free and independent by the general will of its people” on 28th July 1821.

San Martín’s equestrian statue stands proudly in this urban space, surrounded by striking buildings with French-inspired architecture. These elegant constructions reflect the changes in architectural styles that emerged in the republican era of the city.

A popular meeting point, a place for exchanging ideas and hosting large public gatherings, this square is a vibrant, lively and dynamic spot. It connects with the Plaza de Armas via the ever-charming Jirón de la Unión.

Could San Martín’s message of freedom still resonate through this public space? You’ll discover—and feel—the answer when you visit one of the most iconic sights in Lima’s Historic Centre.

It’s no coincidence that the Bolívar Hotel stands right in front of Plaza San Martín. According to history, President Augusto B. Leguía chose the name with the intention of honouring both of Peru’s liberators in the same space.

After all, “in front of a San Martín, there can only be a Bolívar,” President Leguía is said to have declared in 1924—the year Lima’s first modern hotel opened its doors. To this day, the building preserves its timeless Art Deco elegance.

Over the years, its spacious and comfortable rooms have welcomed countless notable figures from the worlds of politics, the arts and sport, including John Wayne, Clark Gable, Ernest Hemingway, William Faulkner, Jorge Luis Borges, Mick Jagger, and Igor Stravinsky.

While you’re exploring the Historic Centre, make sure to stop by the Bolívar’s bar and try a “catedral—cocktail”. After finishing this double pisco sour, you might just feel like you’re in heaven—or be tempted to say a little prayer for the bartender who made it!

In the 19th century, it was Lima’s most elegant and bustling avenue. Back then, locals loved to “jironear”—stroll up and down this lively street that links two iconic squares: the colonial-style Plaza de Armas and the republican-style Plaza San Martín.

Jirón de la Unión connects two sides of Lima, making it a passageway through the city’s layered history. And while it may no longer be the most elegant spot in town, it still holds on to its charm, striking architecture, and commercial energy.

Now a pedestrian-only street, walking along Jirón de la Unión is a must if you want to feel the daily heartbeat of the capital. Along the way, you’ll pass grand old houses, small galleries, street performers, and even a colonial-era church.

Take your time and enjoy every step along this captivating street—one that continues to charm Lima’s residents with its glorious past and a present that, despite the urban rush, still inspires people to walk with curiosity and enthusiasm.

This is one of the most iconic hotels in Lima’s Historic Centre. In 1835, French merchant Pedro Mauyri opened an inn at the corner of Jirón Carabaya and Jirón Ucayali, just a short walk from Jirón de la Unión.

Over time, the inn evolved into a charming and attractive hotel, known not only for its comfortable rooms but also for its welcoming bar—considered one of the birthplaces of the pisco sour, Peru’s most famous cocktail.

During the free tour, we’ll stop in front of the Maury, where your guide will share more about the history of this still-operating hotel. Once the tour ends, why not come back and enjoy a pisco sour with a true taste of tradition?

The story of colonial and republican Lima began in this very urban space on 18th January 1535. That day—memorable for the Spanish and uncertain for the original inhabitants of the Rímac Valley—the City of Kings was founded.

It was the conquistador Francisco Pizarro who led the founding ceremony and laid out the design and land distribution of the new city. This marked the beginning of what we now know as Lima’s Historic Centre and Cercado district.

Much has changed in Peru’s capital since then, but the importance of the Plaza de Armas—or Main Square—remains, as many of the country’s most important institutions are located around it.

Once you arrive at the square, take a moment to admire its old fountain, and the architecture of the Government Palace, the Basilica Cathedral, the City Hall, and the beautiful arcades that frame the historic heart of the City of Kings.

In 1912, the Desamparados train station was inaugurated. Monumental and imposing, it is considered the first modern building in Lima’s Historic Centre. At the time, Peru’s capital had only around 150,000 inhabitants.

Over the years, various circumstances led to the cancellation of passenger rail services, and the station’s grand halls were eventually transformed into a sanctuary for Peruvian literature.

The House of Peruvian Literature opened its doors in 2009, with the mission of celebrating and promoting the work of national writers. In its exhibition and reading rooms, you’ll find yourself drawn into the world of Peruvian poets, novelists and thinkers.

Peruvian literature is incredibly rich and diverse, offering deep insight into the country’s many voices and perspectives. Writers such as César Vallejo, José María Arguedas, and Nobel Laureate Mario Vargas Llosa are read and admired around the world.

During the free tour, your guide will make strategic stops at small artisan shops, giving you the chance to admire the work of local creators—and maybe even find the perfect souvenir to remember your time in Peru.

There will also be a short but delicious stop at a chocolate shop, where you’ll get to taste products made with Peru’s ancient cacao, once used in rituals by the original inhabitants of this land.

At the Montegrande archaeological site in Jaén (Cajamarca), archaeologist Quirino Olivera discovered traces of cacao over 5,000 years old. This remarkable history adds a special touch to our chocolate—so don’t miss the chance to try it!

While there’s no obligation to buy anything, keep in mind that your purchase helps support small artisans and contributes to preserving the traditions and culture of Peru—a land of talented creators.

What better way to end your free tour of Lima’s Historic Centre than with a toast and a patriotic toast! And while the tasting is optional, skipping this drink would be a real travel mistake—it’s a true symbol of Peruvian identity and tradition.

The pisco sour is far more than just a tasty mix of ingredients. It’s the perfect blend of three ounces of Peruvian pisco, one ounce of tangy northern lime juice, one ounce of sugar syrup, and one egg white—shaken or blended over plenty of ice.

Legend has it that our national cocktail was created in 1920 by American bartender Victor Vaughen Morris at the Morris Bar on Jirón de la Unión. Since then, the pisco sour has become an essential “guest” at celebrations and on every criollo table in Peru.

Your Sunday free tour will finish near Lima’s Plaza Mayor (or Main Square), giving you the perfect opportunity to keep exploring the city’s Historic Centre at your own pace.